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Nissan Juke-R Video, First Lookhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/08/nissan-juke-r-video-first-look.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/08/nissan-juke-r-video-first-look.html#commentsWed, 21 Aug 2013 16:44:21 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=211276Nissan Juke-R Video, First LookInsanity, it’s not just putting your alarm clock in the freezer or wearing mayonnaise instead of cargo shorts, it covers all kinds of things, even cars. There are plenty of ridiculous vehicles in the market today but one of the most ludicrous is the Nissan Juke-R. What’s even crazier than the already nut-so GT-R? How... more]]>

Insanity, it’s not just putting your alarm clock in the freezer or wearing mayonnaise instead of cargo shorts, it covers all kinds of things, even cars. There are plenty of ridiculous vehicles in the market today but one of the most ludicrous is the Nissan Juke-R.

What’s even crazier than the already nut-so GT-R? How about a compact crossover featuring the supercar’s drivetrain? This itsy-bitsy Juke is blown along the road like a leaf in a hurricane-force wind. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that cranks out 545 horsepower with 466 lb-ft of torque.

The goods are routed to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts faster than you can think. Those numbers are good for a top speed of 170 miles an hour; the sprint from a standstill to 60 MPH takes just 3.0 seconds. THREE SECONDS!

Nissan representatives told us that unlike its big brother the Juke-R is a bit livelier to drive. Thanks to a shorter wheelbase and a higher center of gravity it actually corners better and is more fun on high-speed turns… so we’ve been told.

The Juke-R is crazier than a personal tour of Jeffrey Dahmer’s crawl space. What’s so unbelievable about it is that it’s far from just a concept. They’re actually building up to 23 of them. If you want one you can actually get one, just fork over $665,000. Insanity!

GALLERY: Nissan Juke-R

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/08/nissan-juke-r-video-first-look.html/feed1more]]>Fox Marketing Lexus SEMA Cars Stripped and Crushedhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/fox-marketing-lexus-sema-cars-stripped-and-crushed.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/fox-marketing-lexus-sema-cars-stripped-and-crushed.html#commentsMon, 21 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=135279Fox Marketing Lexus SEMA Cars Stripped and CrushedMaybe you’re not a fan of the wild SEMA Show cars built by Fox Marketing. Even then, it requires a certain level of heartlessness to not shed a tear when seeing these photos. Built for Lexus for SEMA over the years the Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F and IS350C have seen better days. They might look... more]]>

Maybe you’re not a fan of the wild SEMA Show cars built by Fox Marketing. Even then, it requires a certain level of heartlessness to not shed a tear when seeing these photos.

Built for Lexus for SEMA over the years the Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F and IS350C have seen better days. They might look like theft recoveries, but sadly it’s worse than that – they’ve been wrecked on purpose.

Fine machines in their own right, both cars were kitted out with tens of thousands of dollars in top-grade modifications ranging from superchargers to wheels, tires, suspension kits and brakes. And let’s not forget about the custom body kits, interiors and wild paint colors. Some parts appear to have been removed from the cars, although Brian Fox of Fox Marketing has confirmed the high-powered engines had to remain in the vehicles.

Built as “dollar cars” for the show circuit, the life of these two luxury machines has now expired and due to legal reasons they must be disposed of in a way that will ensure Lexus won’t wind up with a lawsuit some time down the road.

When contacted, Fox informed AutoGuide that more photos and even video was on it’s way, so we’ll be sure to update this story. Check back later this week, if you can stomach it.

GALLERY: Fox Marketing Lexus Models Headed to Crusher

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/fox-marketing-lexus-sema-cars-stripped-and-crushed.html/feed7more]]>Nissan GT-Rs of the Tokyo Auto Salon [Gallery]http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/nissan-gt-rs-of-the-tokyo-auto-salon-gallery.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/nissan-gt-rs-of-the-tokyo-auto-salon-gallery.html#commentsMon, 16 Jan 2012 14:45:06 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=105095Nissan GT-Rs of the Tokyo Auto Salon [Gallery]Love Nissan GT-Rs? Then you most certainly would love the Tokyo Auto Salon. Featuring the latest tuning trends and most amazing race cars, much of the content on the show floor was GT-R related this year – although to be honest, the show is GT-R heavy every year. On display were plenty of modified GT-Rs... more]]>

Love Nissan GT-Rs? Then you most certainly would love the Tokyo Auto Salon. Featuring the latest tuning trends and most amazing race cars, much of the content on the show floor was GT-R related this year – although to be honest, the show is GT-R heavy every year.

On display were plenty of modified GT-Rs from tuners like Kansai Service, JUN and even Tommy Kaira. And let’s not forget the race car content, with the outrageous Kondo Advan GT-R GT500 race car, as well as the Motul Autech GT-R (above), which won five of the eight races in Japan’s Super GT series last year.

With the launch of the CR-Z, Honda wanted to emphasize that hybrids can in fact be sporty, now the automaker is continuing to promote the idea in its home market with the Honda Sports & Eco Program.

Essentially an amateur racing series it lets drivers compete using spec CR-Zs (outfitted with Mugen wheels and an aero kit) on track. Each car also features a complete roll cage and Recaro driver’s seat with racing harnesses.

Running at Honda company tracks like Suzuki and Twin Ring Motegi, drivers get to feel just how much fun driving green can be. Exactly how fuel efficient a CR-Z at wide-open-throttle is, well…

Known for modifying wagons like the Honda Odyssey and Nisaan Stegea, Japanese tuner Takero’s recently expanded its product offering to include the Honda Fit – with impressive results. First came aerodynamic components, followed by suspension parts, now Takero’s has revealed a wide body kit for the Fit at the Tokyo Auto Salon, plus a turbocharger setup.

Head-on the Takero’s Fit still looks impressive, but the widebody sub-compact looks a little absurd from any other angle. The obvious advantage, however, is the ability to fit wider tires for more grip, with some massive 225/35/18 rubber on this machine. And that extra tire is no doubt necessary to help put down the extra power generated by the new turbocharger setup. Unfortunately, Takero’s hasn’t released any specs on the kit, but we’d expect something close to the 180 hp mark.

GALLERY: Takeros Honda Fit Turbo

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/takeros-honda-fit-turbo-gets-wide-and-wild-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html/feed2more]]>Mugen Honda CR-Z RR Concept Double Take: 2012 Tokyo Auto Salonhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/mugen-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-double-take-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/mugen-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-double-take-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html#commentsFri, 13 Jan 2012 18:27:36 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=104745Mugen Honda CR-Z RR Concept Double Take: 2012 Tokyo Auto SalonBuilt by Honda‘s Mugen tuning division in Europe, the on-again-off-again CR-Z RR concept is, at last word, off again. So weren’t we shocked then to discover not one, but two of the cars on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon. As much as we’ll miss its good looks of the CR-Z RR with its wide... more]]>

Built by Honda‘s Mugen tuning division in Europe, the on-again-off-again CR-Z RR concept is, at last word, off again. So weren’t we shocked then to discover not one, but two of the cars on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

As much as we’ll miss its good looks of the CR-Z RR with its wide body style, the bigger loss is the supercharged 1.5-liter hybrid engine that makes an impressive 197-hp while retaining much of the Honda’s fuel economy thanks to several different drive-mode settings.

The good news, however, is that we may miss out on such a Mugen model because Honda is planning one itself. Recent reports indicate the CR-Z Type-R is moving ahead with a Honda rep hinting to AutoGuide that the supercharged 1.5-liter hybrid engine is in the pipe.

One of numerous Mazdas on display at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the Demio (sold as the Mazda2 in North America) Smart Stylish, delivers as promised with a classy look that adds some luxury appeal to this sub-compact.

Based on the new ultra-efficient Skyactiv 1.3-liter model, the Smart Stylish gets a complete aerodynamic overhaul, with new front and rear bumpers as well as side skits and some large BBS wheels. Bringing the package together is a lowered suspension.

GALLERY: Mazda Demio Smart Stylish

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/mazda-demio-smart-stylish-looks-well-smart-and-stylish-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html/feed0more]]>GRMN Toyota iQ Supercharger Heading to Production: 2012 Tokyo Auto Salonhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/grmn-toyota-iq-supercharger-heading-to-production-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/grmn-toyota-iq-supercharger-heading-to-production-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html#commentsFri, 13 Jan 2012 12:03:17 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=104604GRMN Toyota iQ Supercharger Heading to Production: 2012 Tokyo Auto SalonBuild by Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, the GRMN iQ Supercharger is just the sort of concept car that’s too wild to ever become a reality. Right? Wrong! To the surprise of, well, everyone, Toyota has announced it will offer a limited production of the car, which was unveiled in its second-generation prototype stage today... more]]>

Build by Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, the GRMN iQ Supercharger is just the sort of concept car that’s too wild to ever become a reality. Right? Wrong!

To the surprise of, well, everyone, Toyota has announced it will offer a limited production of the car, which was unveiled in its second-generation prototype stage today at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Based on the 1.3-liter version of the iQ (it’s largest engine option), GRMN engineers have strapped on a supercharger to increase power output from a factory 94 hp, up to 130 hp, while torque increases from 89 lb-ft to 133.

Additional upgrades include the widebody seen here, an upgraded suspension and brake setup, larger 16-inch wheels with 195/55R16 tires and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – much unlike the CVT offered on the North American Scion iQ (read our review here).

Inside the car gets custom sports seats and new gauges that go all the way up to 200 km/h (124 mph), a speed the standard car most certainly cannot achieve.

Set to go on sale this summer, the GRMN iQ Supercharger will be built in extremely limited quantities with just 100 cars being made.

GALLERY: GRMN iQ Supercharger

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/grmn-toyota-iq-supercharger-heading-to-production-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html/feed2more]]>Toyota Prius c Gets Tuner Treatment: 2012 Tokyo Auto Salonhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/toyota-prius-c-gets-tuner-treatment-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/toyota-prius-c-gets-tuner-treatment-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html#commentsFri, 13 Jan 2012 06:30:41 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=104564Toyota Prius c Gets Tuner Treatment: 2012 Tokyo Auto SalonIf you’re looking to make 53 mpg look a little cooler then Toyota in-house tuning division Modelista has you covered. The style-oriented arm of Toyota has just announced a new lineup of accessories for the Prius c, which is sold as the Aqua in Japan. Already looking like a slightly-cooler Yaris, the Prius c gets... more]]>

If you’re looking to make 53 mpg look a little cooler then Toyota in-house tuning division Modelista has you covered. The style-oriented arm of Toyota has just announced a new lineup of accessories for the Prius c, which is sold as the Aqua in Japan.

Already looking like a slightly-cooler Yaris, the Prius c gets a new aero kit, complete with a front lip, rear lip and side skirts with chrome detailing. In addition come new wheels, not to mention a mild roof spoiler.

GALLERY: Modelista Toyota Aqua

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/toyota-prius-c-gets-tuner-treatment-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html/feed0more]]>Honda Previews Tokyo Auto Salon Lineuphttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/honda-previews-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/honda-previews-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup.html#commentsThu, 12 Jan 2012 01:40:23 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=103932Honda Previews Tokyo Auto Salon LineupHonda has announced its lineup of vehicles for the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, the automotive aftermarket expo of Japan. The Honda exhibit will feature a variety of models including automobiles, motorcycles, power products, racing vehicles and other highlights in order to convey the joy of mobility and motorsport excitement. Honda Access Corp., manufacturer of genuine... more]]>

Honda has announced its lineup of vehicles for the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, the automotive aftermarket expo of Japan. The Honda exhibit will feature a variety of models including automobiles, motorcycles, power products, racing vehicles and other highlights in order to convey the joy of mobility and motorsport excitement.

Honda Access Corp., manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts, will exhibit an all-new N BOX Custom minicar, which just went on sale in December 2011. Called the FLASH BOX, the custom Honda features a special body color, reflective decal sheets and LEDs used as a decorative element in both exterior and interior designs. Honda Access will also display a custom build based on the Freed Hybrid compact minivan. Known as the Freed Wa, the car aims to evoke traditional Japanese culture through inspirations from the ancient Japanese art of lacquering, and flowers that are featured on the car that represent the four seasons. The last car from Honda Access is the Honda BEAT Auto Salon Special, featuring genuine BEAT Accessories and special aero pieces. Finally, the last custom Honda car at the exhibit is the Freed Spike Transportation Version, loaded with off-road motorcycles.

As for Honda’s motorcycle exhibit, the NC700S, NC700X, and Integra midsize motorcycle that debuted at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will make an extra appearance at the Tokyo Salon as well. The CB 1100 VT1300CX will be featuring new genuine aftermarket parts and accessories to grab the attention of motorcycle tuners.

A fantastic racing season for Honda, the RC212V motorcycle that brought home the riders’, team and constructors’ championship for 2011. Honda’s GT500 class Supger GT HSV-010 GT race car and a racing CRZ will also be on display.

GALLERY: Honda at Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/honda-previews-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup.html/feed0more]]>Toyota GT 86 TRD Revealedhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/12/toyota-gt-86-trd-revealed.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/12/toyota-gt-86-trd-revealed.html#commentsMon, 19 Dec 2011 15:57:17 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=98673Toyota GT 86 TRD RevealedBack when we still called it the FT-86, a leaked brochure claimed to show what TRD had in store for the Toyota sports car. The boxer-powered machine has since been revealed (called the Scion FR-S in North America) and this lone photo of a TRD-equipped model has now emerged. What is obvious from the photo... more]]>

Back when we still called it the FT-86, a leaked brochure claimed to show what TRD had in store for the Toyota sports car. The boxer-powered machine has since been revealed (called the Scion FR-S in North America) and this lone photo of a TRD-equipped model has now emerged.

What is obvious from the photo is a set of upgraded brakes, a lowered suspension, plus some aerodynamic upgrades – including a rear spoiler that the stock car seems to desperately need. According to one report, Toyota is also prepping a TRD supercharger for the 2.0-liter engine.

The TRD-tuned Toyota 86/Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S is expected to be revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.

GALLERY: Toyota 86 TRD

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/12/toyota-gt-86-trd-revealed.html/feed5more]]>Nissan Juke-R Revs its 3.8-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 [Video]http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/11/nissan-juke-r-revs-its-3-8-liter-twin-turbo-v6-video.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/11/nissan-juke-r-revs-its-3-8-liter-twin-turbo-v6-video.html#commentsMon, 21 Nov 2011 13:15:32 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=93539Nissan Juke-R Revs its 3.8-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 [Video]22 weeks after the little Nissan Juke crossover was first abducted, the team of modern day Doctor Frankensteins from Nissan Europe’s technical partner, RML, finally released this video of their outrageous creation, the mighty and insane Juke-R. Proudly displaying their hard work before submitting the super crossover to rounds of shakedown and testing, the video... more]]>

22 weeks after the little Nissan Juke crossover was first abducted, the team of modern day Doctor Frankensteins from Nissan Europe’s technical partner, RML, finally released this video of their outrageous creation, the mighty and insane Juke-R. Proudly displaying their hard work before submitting the super crossover to rounds of shakedown and testing, the video reveals the Juke’s transformation, which is most noticeable when the engine lets out that loud and responsive signature GT-R bark.

No official performance figures have been announced yet but when GTR’s 485-hp 3.8-liter twin turbo is stuffed into a shell that weighs in at the ballpark of 3,200 lbs., the Juke R is highly likely to reach 60 mph in sub-4 seconds. More details will arise when the Juke R inevitably puts down a couple solid laps around Germany’s Nurburgring. While Nurburgring testing has yet to be officially confirmed, the Juke R’s race-spec roll cage and racing cockpit says it all.